Rear Adm. Cynthia Dullea is a 1977 graduate of Salve Regina University, Newport, Rhode Island. In 1980 she was commissioned as a lieutenant, Nurse Corps, and attended initial training via Officer Indoctrination School.

Receiving initial orders to Naval Hospital, San Diego, she was assigned as a surgical staff nurse, assistant charge nurse of surgical pediatrics and nursing supervisor for the military treatment facility.  Following release from active duty in 1983 she transferred to the Independent Ready Reserve (IRR). 

In 1987 she affiliated with the Navy Reserves (NR) and completed tours as administrative officer with NR Navy Medicine Brunswick 0191; Naval Air Station South Weymouth, Massachusetts; NR Advanced Base Functional Component (ABFC) 120, Honolulu, Hawaii; director of Nursing Services, officer in charge of  NR Marine Division 4th Force Reconnaissance, Honolulu, Hawaii; executive officer and commanding officer of NR National Naval Medical Center Bethesda 406, Bethesda, Maryland; NR National Naval Medical Center  Bethesda 106, Bethesda, Maryland; director of administration, commanding officer of both NR National Naval Medical Center  Bethesda PO605, Baltimore, Maryland; and NR Bureau of Medicine and Surgery 106, Washington, District of Columbia.

In January of 1991, Dullea was recalled to active duty in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.  She was assigned to Naval Hospital, Oakland advising the Commanding Officer’s staff. 

From 2004 to 2006 she served as commanding officer of Operational Health Support Unit, Portsmouth, Virginia., then as senior advisor to the Assistant Deputy Surgeon General for Total Force Integration. 

After selection to flag she assumed the role of deputy commander Navy Medicine National Capital Area in 2007 and as deputy director, Navy Nurse Corps in 2008. 

Dullea is authorized to wear the Legion of Merit (three awards), Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation (three awards), and the Naval Marine Corps Overseas Service Medal. 

In her civilian career, Dullea has held numerous senior healthcare executive positions in the Healthcare Information Technology arena. She holds a faculty appointment at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. She holds a master’s degree in Business Administration and is board certified in Nursing Informatics and is a Certified Healthcare Access manager.

Last Updated: 9 March 2022